Harry Potter Fan’s Guide to Europe’s Hidden Magical Train Routes
Calling all witches, wizards, and muggles with a taste for adventure: Europe’s rails hide secrets even the Marauder’s Map can’t reveal.
From steam-belching locomotives to viaducts that defy gravity, these routes will make you swear you’ve spotted a dementor (or just a very dramatic seagull).
Grab your wand—or at least a butterbeer—and let’s explore the real-world train journeys that scream “Hogwarts, here we come!”
1. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Ride to Hogsmeade Station
Step Into the Films
Chugging through the Yorkshire countryside, this vintage steam train stops at Goathland Station, aka Hogsmeade in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The station’s gas lamps and wooden benches? Pure Diagon Alley vibes.
Journey Details
- Route: Pickering to Whitby (29 km, 1h45m).
- Train: 1950s steam locomotives with plush velvet seats.
- Best Time: October for autumn foliage or December for Santa Steam Specials.
Magical Detour
Hop off at Levisham Station for a hike to the Hole of Horcum, a valley locals swear was carved by a giant’s fist.
Book Your Ticket: NYMR Official Site
2. The West Highland Line: Scotland’s Secret Hogwarts Express Route
The Viaduct of Dreams
Yes, the Jacobite Steam Train (a.k.a. the Hogwarts Express) crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct—but did you know you can ride the regular ScotRail service for 1/3 the price?
The views are identical: misty lochs, pine forests, and the haunting beauty of Loch Shiel.
Journey Details
- Route: Fort William to Mallaig (1h20m).
- Train: ScotRail’s Class 156 Sprinters (muggle-friendly, no flying cars needed).
- Pro Tip: Sit on the left side for viaduct selfies.
Beyond the Rails
Visit the Glenfinnan Monument at sunrise for a crowd-free photo op.
Book Your Ticket: ScotRail
3. The Brocken Railway: Germany’s “Forbidden Forest” Adventure
Where Witches Gather
The Harz Narrow-Gauge Railway climbs through the misty Harz Mountains, where twisted pines and granite cliffs feel straight out of the Forbidden Forest. At the summit, Brocken Peak—a legendary witch meeting spot—offers views that’ll make you check for Death Eaters.
Journey Details
- Route: Wernigerode to Brocken (17 km, 1h40m).
- Train: Coal-fired steam engines with open-air carriages.
- Best Time: April 30th for Walpurgis Night, a pagan festival with bonfires and costumes.
Magical Detour
Tour Quedlinburg, a medieval town with crooked timber houses that’d fit right into Hogsmeade.
Book Your Ticket: HSB
4. The Ffestiniog Railway: Wales’s Dragon Territory
Hagrid’s Homeland
This narrow-gauge railway winds through Snowdonia National Park, where emerald hills and slate mines evoke the Welsh dragon’s lair.
Keep an eye out for King Arthur’s Labyrinth near Tan-y-Bwlch Station—it’s like the Triwizard Maze, minus the blast-ended skrewts.
Journey Details
- Route: Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog (21 km, 1h).
- Train: 19th-century carriages pulled by steam or diesel engines.
- Pro Tip: Book the First Class Observation Car for panoramic windows.
Magical Detour
Explore Portmeirion Village, a rainbow-hued Italianate fantasy that feels like a Weasley vacation spot.
Book Your Ticket: Ffestiniog Railway
5. The Mürren Railway: Switzerland’s “Beauxbatons” Mountain Journey
Alpine Elegance
This cliffside cogwheel train scales the Bernese Oberland to Mürren, a car-free village with flower-box chalets and views of the Eiger.
With its snowy peaks and crisp air, you’ll half-expect Beauxbatons students to glide down in silk robes.
Journey Details
- Route: Lauterbrunnen to Mürren (20 mins).
- Train: Bright red electric cars with retro interiors.
- Best Time: December for Christmas markets or June for wildflower hikes.
Magical Detour
Ride the Schilthorn Cable Car to the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant—a James Bond filming site with 360-degree alpine vistas.
Book Your Ticket: Berner Oberland
6. The Rhaetian Railway: Italy’s “Room of Hidden Things” Route
Where Alps Meet Artefacts
The Bernina Express crosses the Swiss-Italian Alps, passing glaciers, palm trees, and the Landwasser Viaduct—a stone archway that looks like it guards Horcruxes.
The train’s red carriages snake through tunnels and spiral loops, making you feel like you’ve hopped into the Room of Requirement.
Journey Details
- Route: Tirano (Italy) to St. Moritz (Switzerland) (2h).
- Train: Panoramic coaches with ceiling-to-floor windows.
- Pro Tip: Pack a picnic—the dining car’s $20 fondue might break your Gringotts budget.
Magical Detour
Visit Casa dell’Orologio in Tirano, a 17th-century clocktower with a secret astronomical fresco.
Book Your Ticket: Rhaetian Railway
Pro Tips for Aspiring Wizards
1. Wear Layers
Mountain weather changes faster than a Polyjuice Potion. Pack a cloak (or a waterproof jacket).
2. Book Early
Popular routes like the Jacobite sell out months ahead. Set a reminder!
3. Bring Snacks
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans optional, but a chocolate frog improves any journey.
4. Charge Your Phone
You’ll want videos of those viaducts—no Reparo spell can fix a dead battery.
FAQs: Your Hogwarts Express Queries, Answered
Q: Can I bring my owl?
Check pet policies—most trains allow small animals, but Hedwig might need a cage.
Q: Are these routes kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Even muggles under 12 get discounts on many railways.
Q: Do I need a wand permit?
Only if you plan to cast spells. (Spoiler: Wands not included.)
Final Spell… Er, Thoughts!
Let’s face it: The real magic isn’t in a hidden platform—it’s in misty valleys, clattering steam engines, and the thrill of discovering places that feel alive with stories.
So, next time someone says, “Hogwarts isn’t real,” smile and whisper, “You’re not looking hard enough.”
Your magical rail adventure starts now. Mischief managed.
Accio Adventure!
